Latest from Android Central

The calling screen should no longer be delayed.What you need to knowOnePlus is rolling out a new update for the 7 and 7 Pro.The update brings stability improvements and the October security update patch.The update addresses a bug that delayed the calling screen from appearing.OnePlus announced a new update on its community forum on Friday, which brings some bug fixes to some of its older smartphones. Most notably, the OxygenOS 11.0.4.1 update addresses a bug that OnePlus 7 and 7 Pro owners have been facing for months.The update includes the October security update, bringing the devices only slightly behind the OnePlus 8 series' October update, as well as the Samsung Galaxy S21, which has already received the November patch. Additionally, the update includes some stability improvements, which are always appreciated.However, the update includes a notable fix for a bug that has plagued OnePlus 7 users for some time. Since at least March, users have complained about a delay...

When it comes to playing games via Microsoft's new beta service, once known as Project xCloud, you'll need the best phone for streaming. There are also many titles to choose from, so be sure to check out the best Game Pass games you can play on your phone. But for controllers, there's plenty out there that will do the trick. These are our picks for the best around.Best controller overallRazer Kishi Mobile Game ControllerStaff PickThe premier option when it comes to true mobile gaming, the Razer Kishi turns your phone into a Switch-like machine. When not in use, it folds up small, perfect for shoving in a bag. It also has a USB-C pass-through so that you can charge your phone while you play. Overall, the quality is good with solid, clicky buttons and great ergonomics. This is one of the best controllers for Xbox Game Pass.$67 at Amazon $70 at Best Buy $90 at MicrosoftAn incredible optionGameSir X2 Type-C Mobile Gaming ControllerThe Gamesir X2 controller is on...

Keep your photos safe and your internet browsing safer.What you need to knowGoogle announced that it's expanding privacy features for more users.Google Photos' Locked Folder is arriving soon on more Android devices and on iOS in 2022.Google One VPN will be available in 10 additional countries.Google is celebrating Cybersecurity Awareness Month by highlighting its efforts to protect user privacy. The company already announced that it's bringing end-to-end encrypted to Google Fi calls for Android phones on the network. With today's announcement, more users will soon have a chance to take advantage of Google's best privacy features.For starters, Google One is expanding its VPN services to more countries. It's currently available in the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and the UK.Google says the feature will expand to Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland, allowing more people to protect th...

Released for Android last fall, Signal is a cross-platform centralized encrypted instant messaging service. A competitor of messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, Signal recently changed the game when it announced that users can now host voice and video group calls featuring up to 16 people. With that in mind, we've put together this step-by-step guide that explains how to make group calls on Signal.How to make group calls on SignalAnnounced as part of Signal's latest software update, Signal group calls now allow twice as many people to join as WhatsApp's similar group call feature and works across iOS, Android, and desktop devices. Here's how to make group calls on Signal.Open the group chat you want.Tap the Video Camera logo to initiate a video call. Select Continue to give Signal permission to access your devices' microphone and camera. Decide if and how you want Signal to record audio during your call. Select Start Call or Join Call.Once a group call has b...

The best Wi-Fi 6 routers get us closer to multi-gigabit 5G speeds at home. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has arrived and promises to push Wi-Fi speeds up to 2.4Gbps per device to provide a better experience and more extensive coverage at home. Not only that, but most of these routers come with great software, including parental controls, to make your life easier. The new Wi-Fi standard is becoming increasingly common in phones and laptops. So now is the right time to invest in one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market.What are the best Wi-Fi 6 routers?The TP-Link Archer AX90 is a great balance for most people, whether you're a gamer looking for a fast and stable connection or just want something that provides consistent coverage. OneMesh is included for easy expansion, and HomeShield keeps your connection secure. The AX6600 connection is perfect for families or streamers with plenty of capacity for dozens of devices.The second best option is the Linksys MAX-STREAM Mesh Router, which i...

Facebook's iron-fisted rule is hopefully being replaced by one of an open palm.I remember the first time I used an Oculus Quest. After years of hamstrung solutions from Oculus, the Quest felt like a breath of fresh air and the first time the company had truly done something remarkable since Facebook purchased it in 2014. Since then, the Quest has taken VR on a journey of exponential growth that developers and investors had been waiting for.But enthusiasts haven't been happy with Oculus for years. The company has pushed its own proprietary development tools since before the Oculus Rift CV1 launched on PCs in 2016 and split the PC VR market in an unnecessary way. Facebook's hunger for data has made many people uneasy and unwilling to further invest, especially after the launch of the Oculus Quest 2 which ushered in the requirement to use a Facebook account just to operate the headset.That account requirement led to a host of other issues, with players unable to play games they've...

Ara, Nick, and Jerry each have a Pixel 6 to pinky prop in their hot little hands. Tune in as they share what they love about the phone, and what could potentially be improved.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Google Pixel 6 review: The best Android phone under $600 — if you can get it | Android CentralGoogle Pixel 6 Pro review: The best $900 phone you'll find anywhere | Android CentralBest Google Pixel 6 cases 2021 | Android CentralGoogle Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro hands-on: Prettiest Pixel perfection | Android Central6 reasons to buy a Google Pixel 6 instead of settling for the Pixel 5a | Android CentralUpdate your Pixel 6 as soon as you receive it 'to get all the features' | Android CentralSponsors:Shopify: Supercharge your knowledge, your sales and your success. Grow your business with Shopify today - go to Shopify.com/acp.Manscaped: Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the...

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a foldable phone with many promises. S Pen support makes it a natural choice for creators on the go who want to sketch out ideas wherever the muse strikes them. The improved durability and water resistance mean that you don't quite have to baby the Fold 3 the way you did the Fold 2 (just don't take it to the beach or the desert). Of course, you can bolster that protection with a great case, and these are the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 cases we've been able to find so far.Protect everythingSpigen Tough Armor Designed for Galaxy Z Fold 3 5GStaff PickMost Galaxy Z Fold 3 cases leave the phone's hinge totally exposed, but Spigen has a couple with that extra bit of protection. The Tough Armor's version should still sit flat on a desk in tablet mode (unlike the Slim Armor Pro), and it offers a nice lip around the outer screen and the camera.$50 at AmazonGet the Note experienceSamsung S Pen Folio CoverWhile the Galaxy Z Fold 3 supports th...

Samsung's foldables will get a taste of One UI soon.Update, Oct 29 (1:45 p.m. ET): Rollout begins in some regionsWhat you need to knowSamsung is preparing to launch the One UI 4 beta for its foldable smartphones.The beta will allow Samsung to try out its new software on a new form factor before the stable release.Samsung is expected to launch the stable One UI 4 update before the end of the year.Owners of Samsung foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 3 can rejoice, as they'll soon have a chance to try out the One UI 4 beta.The announcement comes from a Samsung community manager, (via SammyFans), who says the "One UI beta program for Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 will start soon, so please be patient."Not much information is provided about the program, including when it'll kick-off. Given the announcement, it should be any moment now.Samsung has taken to the virtual stage on Tuesday to discuss its plans for foldable phones, highlighting ways that developers can take advant...

Four games coming on November 1.What you need to knowGoogle revealed four more games that Stadia Pro members can play with their subscription starting Nov. 1.The four games are Saints Row 4: Re-Elected, Hundred Days - Winemaking Simulator, Dirt 5, and Kemono Heroes.Valkyria Chronicles IV will be leaving Stadia Pro on Nov. 1.Stadia Pro will be adding another four games to its catalog of over 30 titles that subscribers can claim next month, Google announced in a blog post.Members can claim Saints Row 4: Re-Elected beginning Monday, Nov. 1, which is launching alongside the Stadia store. This port of the 2013 third-person action-adventure game includes all downloadable content and add-ons, and would be a great way to scratch that Saints Row itch before the reboot comes out next year.The other games coming to Stadia Pro on the same day include off-road racing game Dirt 5, management title Hundred Days - Winemaking Simulator, and four-player retro side-scroller Kemono Heroes....

"GS201" could be Google's next-gen Tensor chipset.What you need to knowGoogle has apparently started working on its second-gen Tensor chipset.The chipset is said to be codenamed "Cloudripper" and could be used in the Pixel 7 series phones. No hardware details have been revealed yet, so we'll have to wait longer to find out if the chip will be a massive upgrade over the first-gen Tensor. A new report from 9to5Google suggests Google is planning to use a second-generation Tensor chipset to power the Pixel 7 series phones. The publication's APK Insight Team found references to a new "Cloudripper" codename while researching apps included in the latest Pixel 6 series phones.The report claims Cloudripper is tied to a second-generation Google Tensor chipset with the model number GS201. Google's first-gen Tensor chip, which powers Google's best Android phones, carries the model number GS101. The same GS201 model number has also been spotted by tipster Mishaal Rahman in recently su...

There are more than a few of us here at Android Central looking to upgrade our headphones soon. Thankfully, the Black Friday Sony WH-1000XM4 deals are gearing up to provide a chunky discount on that high MSRP over the next few weeks, possibly even before the big day itself.Priced at $350/£350 before discounts, they're certainly a premium piece of kit. But given the exceptional audio quality and improved noise-canceling, they really are a pair of headphones you'll adore for years. We use them for commuting, working, and casual use in-between. They're that comfortable, and the 30-hour battery life won't have you irritably reaching for a recharge in the middle of a workday. Even the best wireless earbuds continue to disappoint with their batteries compared to the best wireless headphones. That, and a fully-realized soundscape with zero compromises. So yes, we like them a lot, as you can see with our detailed Sony WH-1000XM4 review.At the time of writing, prices in the US seem to ha...

I, too, would do absolutely bonkers things to rescue a kitty.Well folks, we lucked out this month with FIVE whole Fridays, which means we get one last spooky game to close out October. Choosing this week's game was tough—we've already covered some serious bangers, so finding a worthy final entry was no small task. Thankfully, a friend introduced me to Fran Bow, which might edge out Oxenfree in the pure horror department.For the purposes of this review, we'll be touching on story beats included in the game's first chapter, but these are foundational pieces that won't spoil the game for you. The story is the biggest reason to play the game, so the less I'm able to say about it, the better. To lay some groundwork, Fran Bow is a point-and-click adventure game following the tragic and terrible tale of—you guessed it—the unfortunate Fran Bow.Fran is a young girl being held in a mental health facility for treatment after witnessing the aftermath of her parents' brutal murder...

Full GooglePixel 6From $599 at AmazonFrom $599 at Best BuyFrom $599 at B&HProsFantastic camera upgradesFast and smooth performancePowerful AI featuresJitter-free scrollingFun color choicesConsSlightly higher priceCamera bar is polarizingIn-display fingerprint readerThe Pixel 6 is the first Google phone with a self-designed processor that brings more powerful machine learning capabilities to the overall phone experience. From processing photos from newer, bigger sensors to Google Assistant and more, everything is cranked up to 11. Even the display is faster with a 90Hz refresh rate. Still, the phone is slightly more expensive, and the design of its camera housing could be a turn off for some.5G for lessPixel 5a$535 at AmazonProsExcellent battery lifeRear-mounted fingerprint scannerSolid camerasOffers a headphone jackOK performanceConsBoring design and only one color choiceNo high refresh rate on the displayWireless chargin...

Gaming on the go can be much better when you have a bit of an upgraded screen to play on. For this reason, many players turn to tablets when it comes to playing some of the best mobile games on the market. However, with the tablet world filled to the brim with so many choices, it can be kind of tough to choose just what might be the best one for your gaming needs. When it comes to Android-based tablets, a handful of contenders made the cut for some of the best possible choices, but only a handful are really suited for gaming needs. To help, we've compiled a list of some of the best Android gaming tablets you can find. If you're looking for a place to start, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 has a ton of the punch of the more premium Galaxy tablets without the extremely high price usually associated with a premium tablet. Sporting a 10.4-inch IPS LCD screen, you'll get some great visuals on this no ma...

It's that time of year when we start getting ready for the Black Friday PS5 deals, and you certainly shouldn't be waiting until the day itself if you haven't bagged Sony's new console yet. Since launch last November, the PS5 has never lasted more than a few minutes when it comes into stock, and we expect the feeding frenzy to be no different well into next year.We're here to help point you in the right direction of the stores most likely to get the PS5 in next. There won't be any discounts on the console, though, and Black Friday PS5 bundles that appear will likely feature a range of items all added at full price because people will pay it. Sad, but true. So, if you see a sensibly priced PS5 at any moment from now, just bag it while you can.It's not all bad news, as the genuine stars of the Black Friday PS5 deals will be found on some of the very best PS5 headsets, PS5 games, some of the various colors of PS5 controllers, and a bunch of other neat accessories. We think storage is...

"High demand" for the Google Pixel 6 Pro appears to be taking a toll on its inventory.What you need to knowGoogle has set up a waitlist page on its online store for those who want to purchase the Pixel 6 Pro.The handset is currently facing delays or running out of stock as demand continues to soar.Fortunately, the base model is not affected by the stock shortage.Google's answer to the best Android phones is facing some shipment delays and an inventory shortage. On the first day of the Pixel 6 series' release, Google warned customers that the phone was experiencing delivery delays or running low on stock.The product's page on the Google Store is showing customers a notice that says some Pixel 6 Pro models may be out of stock or may ship longer than expected due to "high demand." It's understandable given the phone's powerful flagship specs at an affordable price compared to the competition.Android Central didn't immediately get a response from Google when asked for a st...

Google says the JioPhone Next delivers a "best-in-class smartphone experience."What you need to knowThe JioPhone Next will be available to purchase in India from November 4.It has been priced at ₹6,499 (about $87) in the country. Developed in collaboration with Google, the budget phone runs Android-based Pragati OS. Back in June this year, India's Reliance Jio and Google announced the JioPhone Next, an "ultra-affordable" smartphone with an optimized Android experience. Nearly four months later, the two companies have announced that the phone will finally be going on sale in the country from November 4.The JioPhone Next has been priced at ₹6,499 (about $87) in India, making it significantly cheaper than some of the best budget Android phones on sale in the country right now. Customers can also purchase the phone using an Easy EMI option by paying ₹1,999 upfront.To purchase the JioPhone Next, users will have to visit the Jio website and register. Users can also...

Cases are practically necessary nowadays, which remains true for those looking for the best Galaxy S20 FE cases. The Galaxy S20 FE might be a great way for Samsung to own the mid-range phone market, as it has all the specs you could want with a sleek design and plenty of color options to choose from. Once you find the right case and one of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors, you'll be right as rain and ready to do everything.3D effectsCaseology Parallax for Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5GStaff PickThe Caseology Parallax is one of those cases that have become a favorite for many. The unique 3D design on the back improves grip and ergonomics, while the rest of the case gives you the protection you need. Caseology also ensures this case can be used with many of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors while maintaining support for wireless charging.From $16 at Amazon $17 at WalmartThe classicSpigen Rugged Armor Designed for Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5GFor years, Spi...

Protect all of the data and information on your Android phoneMost people use the terms privacy app and VPN (a virtual private network) interchangeably. While these programs give you a wide range of tools like data encryption, secure browsing, and location shields, there are other programs out there that also give you ways to secure your Android phone.The top 3 apps1. Bitdefender Mobile Security2. ExpressVPN3. Tor BrowserMore options1PasswordBlokadaFolder LockGoogle Find My DeviceGlasswireThese are the best privacy apps for AndroidBitdefender Mobile Security is the best privacy app for Android because it has most of the privacy tools you need in one app, including a VPN, safe browsing, and remote locating and locking of your device.Our favorite VPN service is also one of the best privacy apps for Android in ExpressVPN. With this installed, you'll be able to access streaming service libraries in other countries while protecting your browsing history.If y...

What you need to knowThe 8Mbps speed limit has been removed from plans allowing for unlimited speed.Cricket has added 5G support on the AT&T network to all of its data plans.Cricket has added 2 million subscribers in the past two years and now has over 12.4 million total.Cricket Wireless, the prepaid carrier owned by AT&T, is updating its cheaper data plans with faster download speeds. Previously, LTE-connected devices on plans other than the most expensive unlimited plan were limited to just 8Mbps on LTE. As of October 29, 2021, this limit has been removed allowing customers to download at much higher speeds and putting Cricket's network performance much more in line with AT&T.Cricket has also added 5G support to all of its plans so as long as you have a compatible phone, you can connect to AT&T's 5G network. Adding 5G and removing the old speed cap from the $30, $40, and $55 has removed the biggest weakness from some of the best cheap plans you can get. Ke...

Genshin Impact is already great in many ways, but it could be better.As someone who tends to favor one-and-done single-player games, a persistently evolving and expanding experience like Genshin Impact shouldn't have appealed to me... but I haven't been able to stop playing it. That's a testament to how fun developer miHoYo made the game. Its ever-expanding story actually serves to its benefit, and updates usually bring meaningful gameplay changes and additions as well. There's a good reason it's become one of the best Android games out there, but that doesn't mean it's perfect. There are a few features I think it lacks that I'd love to see make their way to Genshin Impact.Ability to trade charactersFirst and foremost, I think it's a massive detriment that Genshin Impact doesn't allow players to trade characters. I've shamefully spent well over $150 for Genesis Crystals, an in-game currency that can be redeemed for Primogems, which can then be redeemed for Wishes, which can t...

You can get a lot of phone for a modest price these days, and to prove it, we've rounded up a list of the best Android phones under $300 for your consideration. Motorola has been a leading name in mid-range options for years, and that holds true with its excellent Moto G Power (2020). You get capable specs with a big display and simple software that anyone can figure out for an extremely competitive price. Plus, it has a massive battery and convenient USB-C charging.Best overall Android phone under $300: Moto G Power (2020)Motorola launched a few different Moto G phones for 2020, but the one that stands out as the best pick for most people is the Moto G Power (2020). This phone nails all the basics, has a very affordable price, and a cool trick up its sleeve — battery life.A 5,000 mAh battery is crammed inside of the Moto G Power, meaning you can get between two and three days of use out of the phone before needing to charge it up. In a world where a lot of $1,000 flagships...

Goodbye Oculus, we hardly knew you.What you need to knowFacebook has rebranded to Meta and will also sunset the Oculus branding.The Oculus Quest will become Meta Quest in 2022.Meta Quest will no longer require a personal Facebook account sometime in 2022. This rollout begins with work accounts later in 2021.You'll be able to delete your existing Facebook account and still maintain your VR library, according to Reality Labs VP Boz.Updated with additional info on October 29 at 8:28 am.Facebook announced a number of new concepts, technologies, and software at Connect 2021 — including its new name, Meta — but none may be quite as surprising as the company's move to drop the Oculus branding and, even further, to remove the Facebook login requirement for Quest headsets including the Oculus Quest 2.In a blog post shared on Facebook, Facebook Reality Labs VP Andrew Bosworth (Boz) talked about how rebranding to Meta will affect the company and its many users going forward, ...

Samsung's smartphone shipments declined 14.2% YoY in Q3 2021.What you need to knowWorldwide smartphone shipments declined 6.7% YoY in Q3 2021.Smartphone vendors shipped 331.2 million units during the July to September period. Samsung was the top smartphone vendor during the quarter, with a 20.8% share of the global market. The global smartphone market declined 6.7% YoY in the third quarter of the year, according to the latest Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker from IDC. A total of 331.2 million smartphones were shipped during the quarter.The decline in shipments was mainly due to the chip shortage that has been affecting many industries for months. While smartphone makers have also been dealing with shortages for the last few quarters, they weren't severe enough to limit the rate of growth until now. Several leading smartphone vendors were also affected by power supply constraints in China and other manufacturing challenges.The severity of the impact, however, var...

Google's 2019 flagships were the weakest Pixels in the series' history, with gimmicky features, undercooked hardware, and dreadful battery life.After a few generations of hit-and-miss Google phones, Android fans had big hopes for the fourth-generation Pixels. Topping wishlists were features that had eluded previous Pixels, like multiple rear cameras and strong, all-day battery life. In the summer of 2019, a tidal wave of leaks helped prepare the ground for the Pixel 4, with many of its major spec points becoming known months ahead of time. Would this be the year Google finally nailed it and produced the best Android phones?Well, no.In October 2019, the Pixel pattern continued: The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL brought excellent new Google features like astrophotography mode and the brand new Assistant — and even live audio transcription supported in every app. Yet with those high-level advancements came more weird hardware compromises. Motion Sense, a make-or-break feature for t...

This studio is working on a mobile Call of Duty game, but not Call of Duty: Mobile.What you need to knowActivision Blizzard acquired Digital Legends, a mobile game development studio located in Barcelona, Spain.This studio is going under the Activision publishing wing and is working on a mobile Call of Duty game. Every Activision owned studio is currently working on something in the Call of Duty universe.Activision Blizzard acquired Digital Legends, a mobile game developer, as shared on Thursday. Digital Legends is located in Barcelona, Spain. The team is currently working on a new mobile Call of Duty game alongside Beenox, Activision Shanghai and a new internal team called Solid State."This is an incredible team of development pros at Digital Legends, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome them to the Activision team," said Rob Kostich, president at Activision. "This is a great step forward as we continue to build additional world-class development resources focused ...

A Facebook Meta smartwatch exactly surprising but also it's kind of surprising.What you need to knowMeta's planned smartwatch has allegedly leaked.The device features a square design with a notch for a camera.Meta has formerly spoken about its plans to extend its investments in wearables.Facebook only just announced that it's being rebranded as "Meta" and has already suffered its first major leak.An image obtained by Bloomberg shows a smartwatch that is allegedly being designed by Facebook Meta. The device features a square design not unlike the Apple Watch, although, unlike Cupertino's wearable, it features a notch design with a camera embedded at the bottom of the display.There also appears to be a button on the side and at the top of the device.While this wouldn't be the first smartwatch with a camera, this could give Meta a step up over some of the best Android smartwatches on the market, including the Apple Watch. It would bring an additional level of communica...

Amazon missed analyst expectations and doesn't expect things to get much better.What you need to knowAmazon announced its Q3 financial earnings ending in September.The company reported just over $110 billion in revenue, missing analysts' expectations by nearly $1 billion.Amazon expects a weak Q4 due to labor shortages and higher wages.While Amazon continues to rake in billions each quarter, the company also continues to miss analyst expectations, as shown by Thursday's Q3 financial earnings report.Amazon reported more than $110 billion in revenue, up 15% from the same period last year. However, that falls just short of analyst estimates of nearly $112 billion. CFO Brian Osofsky says that while Amazon's operations are normally well-staffed and optimized, "labor shortages and supply chain disruptions upset this balance and resulted in additional costs to ensure that we continue to maintain our service levels to customers."Here we go @amazon. Miss on top and bottom, but st...

Even in a city as big as New York, finding love can be difficult but we have all the details on how you can watch a brand-new protagonist search for love in the Big Apple in season two of HBO Max's Love Life.Created by Sam Boyd, Love Life was one of the first shows to debut on HBO's streaming service HBO Max when it launched last year. The romantic comedy anthology series follows a different person each season throughout their entire journey of finding love from their first romance until their last romance.While the first season of Love Life followed Darby Carter (Anna Kendrick) as she searched for love in NYC, season two of the show will focus on Marcus Watkins (William Jackson Harper) though Darby will show up in several cameos. After his first marriage imploded unexpectedly, Marcus is on a mission to rebuild his life brick by brick while trying to find a love that will last once and for all.In addition to Anna Kendrick, season two of Love Life will also see the return of ser...

Magic Eraser comes to more phones if you're cool with installing a modded APKThis has been updated with new information confirimg that the APK in question is actually signed by Google.What you need to knowAn updated Google Photos APK enables Magic Eraser for non-Pixel 6 devices.Magic Eraser was intended to be a Pixel 6-only feature.With Magic Eraser, you can remove objects from your image within Google Photos.One of the biggest reasons to consider picking up the Pixel 6 is to sit back and enjoy all of the wonderful camera features. From updated hardware to added software features like Magic Eraser, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro can handle anything you throw at them. But now, you don't even need a Pixel 6 in order to enjoy the headlining feature that was intended to only be available on the Pixel 6.A modded APK file is making its rounds (via Mishaal Rahman), that enables Magic Eraser on any compatible Android device. After installed, this APK tricks your Android phone into think...

One of the most keenly anticipated clashes of the season so far takes place under the lights of State Farm tonight as two of the league's most in-form teams go head-to-head.Read on for full details on how to watch Packers vs Cardinals, no matter where you are in the world.Green Bay come into this match looking to make it seven straight wins in a row, but their preparations for this crucial game have been thrown into disarray, after a number of key players were placed on the sidelines due to COVID-19 .Key wide receiver Davante Adams has been ruled out alongside fellow WR Allen Lazard, neutralising one of the league's most potent receiving corps, while their backline must also do without defensive coordinator Joe Berry, who has also tested positive.With Kyler Murray in red-hot form, the Cardinals will be looking to capitalise on the Packers woes and continue their unbeaten streak.Arizona started slow against the Houston Texans at the weekend, before notching up a somewhat stra...

The Galaxy S21 FE is coming, after all, but at the expense of the Galaxy S22.Update, Oct 28 (5:00 p.m. ET): More hints of S22 launch delayWhat you need to knowSamsung is reportedly still preparing to launch the Galaxy S21 FE.The launch could take place in January, which would lead to Samsung delaying the Galaxy S22 launch.If true, the Galaxy S22 series could launch in February, sometime around Mobile World Congress.Apparently, the Galaxy S21 FE is still on. According to the latest from SamMobile, the device is still set to be launched, although it may arrive later than expected, which could affect the Galaxy S22 launch.SamMobile says that the Galaxy S21 FE could launch in January, meaning it'll miss the holiday season, a crucial time for companies to promote and sell their best Android phones.This would be around the time the Galaxy S22 series was expected to launch, which would likely conflict. Instead of following the Galaxy S21 series with a January launch, Samsung...

The best wireless chargers are a bit of a dream, breaking you out of the old rut of having to plug in your phone every time to sit down to work or sleep. Ditch your cables and quit wearing out your phone's charging port by getting yourself a handy wireless charger. It's easier than ever now that more wireless chargers are switching to USB-C so you can stick to one cable.Cool and compactAnker PowerWave AlloyStaff Pick$31 at Amazon $31 at WalmartThis Qi charger can output 15W for the few devices that support it right now, plus 10W/7.5W/5W for everyone else as needed, from Samsung to Apple and beyond. It's got a sleek look and takes Power Delivery or Qualcomm QuickCharge wall adapters.Best for PixeliOttie iON Wireless Duo (Made For Google Edition)iOttie is better known for its car mounts, but it actually makes the best current Pixel stand on the market — yes, even better than Google's. The 15W EPP coils on the stand will charge your phone up to 15W, while the 5W pa...

Ready for Saints Row or Dead Island in VR? It could happen.What you need to knowVertigo Games will launch multiplayer action FPS game After the Fall on December 9 on Oculus Quest 2, PSVR, and PC VR.These devs will partner with Oculus (soon to be Meta) for five upcoming games in the years to come, though they won't be exclusive to Oculus platforms.Some of these games will take place in "fan favorite game worlds from Deep Silver," which could include Saints Row, Metro, or Dead Island.Today, Meta (formerly Facebook) announced some major initiatives focused on its Metaverse. It made the shocking decision to convert the Oculus Quest 2 into the Meta Quest 2, and promised to add 2D apps and work profiles to the Quest platform. But honestly, the most exciting news coming out of Connect 2021 had to do with new games coming to the platform.Along with a GTA: San Andreas Quest 2 port and other major game launches like Blade & Sorcery: Nomad, we learned today that Vertigo Games ha...

Take advantage of these awesome games for a few bucks a month.Google Play Pass continues to offer great value for Android users looking to save on premium apps and indie-developed games in 2021. It's only $5 per month and gives you access to tons of premium content. Plus, if you need to take a break and cancel your subscription, all of your favorite games and apps, as well as their save data, will be waiting when you return.There are a ton of great games that have already been added to the service across multiple genres — from intense strategy games and action-packed indie platformers to relaxing puzzle experiences and immersive RPGs. Of course, this isn't a full list of Play Pass games, just the ones we think you should check out first. If you're looking for other great games to try, be sure to check out our collection of the best Android games!Note: All games on this list are included with your Google Play Pass for no additional charge. The prices shown are what you would p...

A good headset can transform your gaming experience, allowing you the sound quality you won't get from your TV's speakers while enabling you to communicate with other players easily. As a bonus, headsets keep your gaming sessions quiet if you're sharing a space, and they look pretty awesome. We've rounded up several choices depending on your priorities and budget. Now, if you're in the market for one of the best PS5 headsets, we've got you covered on that front too.Best overall: SteelSeries Arctis 7Let's be honest; gaming headsets tend to be gaudy. You've seen the unwieldy ones that light up in every color imaginable and look like sturdy bludgeoning weapons. That's not to say they aren't good headphones, but they certainly aren't the most stylish. The SteelSeries Arctis 7 benefits from its sleek design. You won't be embarrassed to wear this one no matter the occasion, and its style only scratches the surface of its desirable features.Headsets are more than just about looks, ...

Goodbye Oculus, we hardly knew you.What you need to knowFacebook has rebranded to Meta and will also sunset the Oculus branding.The Oculus Quest will become Meta Quest in 2022.Meta Quest will no longer require a personal Facebook account for some tasks, but specifics are unclear right now.Facebook announced a number of new concepts, technologies, and software at Connect 2021 — including its new name, Meta — but none may be quite as surprising as the company's move to drop the Oculus branding and, even further, to remove the Facebook login requirement for Quest headsets including the Oculus Quest 2.In a blog post shared on Facebook, Facebook Reality Labs VP Andrew Bosworth (Boz) talked about how rebranding to Meta will affect the company and its many users going forward, including retiring the Oculus branding in 2022. "For this reason, we're simplifying our brand architecture and shifting away from the Oculus brand. Starting in early 2022, you'll start to see the s...

From gaming screens to the silver screen.Sony Interactive Entertainment is responsible for the PlayStation division of Sony, manufacturing consoles like the PS5 while PlayStation Studios is hard at work on a slate of upcoming first-party games. Meanwhile. PlayStation Productions is helping turn some of those same games into movies and TV shows, spreading PlayStation characters and worlds across different forms of entertainment. Here's every project that PlayStation Productions is confirmed to be working on so far.Jump to:What is it?Uncharted movieGhost of Tsushima movieThe Last of Us TV showTwisted Metal TV showWhat is PlayStation Productions?PlayStation Productions is a part of Sony Interactive Entertainment. Founded in 2019, PlayStation Productions aims to help produce movies and TV shows from Sony-owned PlayStation IP, meaning some of the best PS5 games have a chance of turning into a show or blockbuster film.While Sony has previously produced media based o...

But only on Google Fi.What you need to knowGoogle Fi is launching end-to-end encryption for phone calls on its network.Calls between Fi customers will include a special tone and symbol when protected.The new end-to-end encryption is rolling out first on Android phones.Google announced that its Google Fi service is enabling enhanced protection for calls with end-to-end encryption on the best Android phones.In Thursday's blog post, Google says that the feature will work between smartphones on its network, and will include audio and visual cues so that users know immediately that their calls are end-to-end encrypted. That means no one should be able to listen in on your calls and that your private conversations can stay that way.When making a call to another Fi customer using Google's Phone app, users will hear a unique ring sound to indicate that the call is encrypted. There will also be a lock symbol on the call screen to visually indicate that your call is protected. Si...

A fix is still out of sight.What you need to knowA new update to Chrome OS Canary is said to be bricking a number of Chromebooks.Some Chrome OS devices are left stuck on the startup page after being updated to the latest Canary version of the operating system.Google has yet to release a fix for the issue.The latest version of Chrome OS Canary is reportedly rendering some Chromebooks useless, according to 9to5Google, leaving affected laptops stuck on the "Chrome" logo on startup.A number of Chromebooks are currently bricked after being updated to the new Chrome OS Canary build. For those who aren't on the Canary version of the system, this issue should not be a major concern.However, for developers and Chrome OS fans who don't mind unstable software just to get the latest features through the Canary channel, installing the latest update is the last thing they want to do. The report says version version 97.0.4682.0 of Chrome OS Canary is responsible for the bricked laptop...

Best answer: Android 12's Private Compute Core is a feature that exists in its own separate and secure space where information and data for AI-driven functions like Live Caption, Now Playing, and Smart Reply can stay on your device instead of in the cloud.On-device machine learningMuch of what makes Android such a great operating system for the best Android phones is how Google can leverage machine learning to anticipate our next move or to study and learn our habits. A machine can't really learn (yet). Still, computers are excellent at recognizing repeating patterns, and once a way to figure out those patterns is found, predictions can be used to make things flow faster and use fewer resources.This is great, but the idea of your phone sending details about every little thing you do to a server somewhere to be analyzed is a bit creepy. That's why it's imperative to do as much of the "learning" as possible right on your device and do it in a way that the data it collects and wha...

Facebook is now "Meta"What you need to knowFacebook announced a significant company shift during its Connect conference.The company will now be known as Meta.The change highlights Meta's focus on the metaverse and connecting users.Facebook has a new name. Not the app, but the company. At the annual Connect conference on Thursday, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company's new name is "Meta."The name is meant to evoke the new focus on building the metaverse, what Meta envisions as the natural evolution of the internet where users interact using all sorts of devices from AR to VR and even the best Android phones.It's also meant to separate the company from the social media app, and better envoke the various platforms and projects Meta is involved with beyond Facebook. During the presentation, Zuckerberg spoke about how the company has grown beyond just a social media app and has transitioned into a company focused on connecting people, whether through WhatsApp, Inst...

Meta calls it a high-end headset, not a Quest 2 replacement.What you need to knowMeta announced a next-generation Oculus Quest headset called Project Cambria at Facebook Connect 2021.Project Cambria is designed to be a high-end headset with cutting-edge technology, not a replacement for the Oculus Quest 2.Cambria will feature realistic face tracking, eye tracking, and even body tracking.Cambria is designed with new smaller lenses and "pancake" optics.Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg — or, more appropriately the company now known as Meta — took to the virtual stage at Facebook Connect 2021 to tease Project Cambria, a next-generation standalone VR headset. Zuckerberg said that Cambria isn't designed to replace the existing Oculus Quest 2 but will be compatible with existing Quest software.Project Cambria is a high-end headset that's designed for the best possible experience rather than for a lower price point, as current Oculus Quest headsets are. Cambria will feature a ...

Buy in bulkMint MobileFrom $15/mo. at Mint MobileProsT-Mobile LTE networkUnlimited talk and textFree calls to Canada and MexicoHotspot on every plan5G on all plansConsMinimum term is three monthsUnlimited plan is slowed at 35GB5GB hotspot cap on unlimited planSave money by buying in bulk. Plans come with unlimited talk, text and have no overages after you've used your data. Speeds are lowered, but you can upgrade your plan mid-cycle or easily add more data.One month at a timeCricket WirelessFrom $30/mo. at Cricket WirelessProsAT&T LTE networkService in Canada and Mexico (unlimited plans)Unlimited talk and textMulti-line discounts 15GB hotspot data (unlimited plan) ConsSD quality videos (unlimited plans)Speed limits5G is only on the most expensive planTake advantage of the massive AT&T network without the contracts. You can start as small as just talk, text, and 2GB of data, then go all the way up to unlimited data wi...

Rockstar and Facebook are joining forces.What you need to knowGrand Theft Auto: San Andreas is coming to the Oculus Quest 2 as an exclusive VR port.Mark Zuckerberg announced the port during Facebook Connect 2021.It will ship in 2022, and will be fully revealed at Oculus Gaming Showcase 2022.During Facebook Connect 2021, Mark Zuckerberg announced that Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is coming to the Oculus Quest 2, most likely in 2022. This popular 2004 title, originally a PS2 and Xbox title later ported to Android, will get new life in virtual reality.Oculus has started a trend of bringing classic video games to its VR headset. Earlier this month, it ported Resident Evil 4 to the Quest 2, converting its third-person gameplay to first-person. It's very possible that you'll be stepping into CJ's shoes, and that Rockstar or a third-party developer will convert its third-person gameplay to first person.The game won't arrive in 2021. Mark Zuckerberg announced the game during F...

Beat Saber remains the most profitable Quest title, with others not far behind.What you need to knowBeat Saber is the first game to hit $100 million in revenue from the Quest platform alone.The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners has amassed $50 million in revenue across all VR platforms.Several other developers have reported record sales, citing huge growth in the Quest player base, in particular.At Facebook Connect 2021, the company's annual AR and VR conference, Facebook announced that Beat Saber had amassed over $100 million in revenue on the Oculus Quest platform alone. Earlier this year, we saw that only six games had surpassed $10 million in revenue, and the quick milestone of $100 million for one of the best Quest 2 games shows just how much the market has grown in 2021 alone.While Beat Saber has been out for well over four years on the PC, it took a while to make its way to other VR platforms like the Oculus Quest 2. Over the years, Beat Saber has become synonymou...

Get ready for hundreds of progressive web apps to infiltrate your VR headset through App Lab.What you need to knowOculus is enabling 2D panel apps on the Horizon Home screen, including popular productivity apps like Slack and Dropbox.Facebook, Instagram, Smartsheet, and Spike are the first wave of apps arriving today, October 27.Theoretically, any Android app can be submitted to the Oculus Store through the App Lab.These apps are part of Oculus's push to make the Quest 2 a more work-focused machine. It will launch Work Accounts on the Quest 2 in 2021 as a beta, with plans for a full Quest for Business 2023 launch.At last year's Oculus Connect 2020, the company showed off a concept video for Infinite Office on the Oculus Quest 2. In essence, it would let you use your entire point of view as one large workspace, with windows for different apps spread out in front of you in VR. It wasn't a real feature yet, but Oculus brought us one step closer this summer by letting Quest 2 ...

It's a lot easier to check certain settings.What you need to knowFitbit is rolling out a new update for the Verse 3 and Sense smartwatches.Update 5.3 adds new status indicators for sleep, do not disturb, and low battery.The update also brings a new outdoor exercise mode to the Exercise app.A new update has begun rolling out for the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3, which brings a few visual changes and features for the devices.The update is adding new status indicators to the watch that will make it easier to discern when certain settings are turned on, like do not disturb or sleep mode. Additionally, users will not be able to more easily determine when their battery is low thanks to the new low battery indicator. A final new indicator will show when your watch isn't connected to your phone.These status indicators will appear at the top of the watch face and will disappear after three seconds. Fitbit notes that in order to make them appear again, you just swipe right, and the...

The Presence Platform is Facebook's way of giving developers better tools to make better experiences.What you need to knowFacebook is launching the Presence Platform for Oculus Quest, which includes three new development kits.Insight SDK, Interaction SDK, and Voice SDK are designed to make these experiences easier for developers to successfully implement in their apps.Users should see better hand tracking and AR experiences in the future, as well as the ability to use their voice for more natural input.At Facebook Connect 2021, the company announced a brand new trio of software development kits designed to help developers create better AR and hand tracking experiences, as well as adding in the ability for players to use their voice for search and control. Facebook calls this trio the Presence Platform, and it's one of the many ways the company is working to create a better Oculus Quest 2 platform for all players.Hand tracking has been around since before the Quest 2 launc...